McConnell's for McConnell

The future of coal and the people whose livelihoods depend on it is among the most difficult issues we face. On one hand, coal drives global warming and other costly health, environmental and economic challenges. Coal never made Kentuckians wealthy, and the long-term decline in coalfields employment over this past generation has impoverished many.

On the other hand, those still lucky enough to have coal-related jobs have few other options, especially in places with little economic diversity, where jobs and education lag behind other regions.

Crunch time has arrived because coal is now no longer competitive against gas or wind, even given the rapacious environmental and labor policies that coal operators tend to practice.

We need to find a way to move beyond coal while fostering alternative economic development in coal country. We need nuanced, creative, and humane thinking to carry the day.

Unfortunately, Sen. Mitch McConnell chose to address a pro-coal rally in Washington by decrying a supposed Obama administration "war on coal." How, pray tell, does this help? Whom does it help, to foment denialism about the climate or about market conditions going forward? Whom does it help to escalate this difficult issue into a "war"?

The only person I think it helps is Sen. McConnell. It doesn't even help his children and grandchildren, who will live in the climate chaos he is exacerbating. Just Sen. McConnell. There's nothing nuanced, creative or humane about it.

AVERY KOLERS

Louisville 40205

A Senate run

We live in a period of both great peril and great opportunity.

Decisions need to be made about this country's energy policy; about how we can confront the lingering unemployment problem; as to how to ensure that we have adequate security without trampling on the rights of citizens; as to how we can best manage our finances while maintaining a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens.

A primary is an excellent opportunity to discuss our options and debate the best approach dealing with these problems. We the people should not accept the idea that citizen participation in primaries is a costly anachronism we can no longer afford. In a period of great social and economic turmoil, we need more than to embrace the democratic process: People make the decisions and drive the arguments and select the candidates - not corporations, not parties, not money, but people.

In our system of government the party doesn't pick the candidate; the people elect their nominees.

In this context we need a real Democratic primary with real discussion and real debates. If we do not take this opportunity to discuss our choices regarding the future, the future will not be kind to us. This is why I plan to run for the position of United States senator. I look forward to the conversations ahead.

GREG LEICHTY

Louisville 40218

Not toys

The Sunday article noting the increased laser attacks on pilots has me very concerned that these "toys" could severely burn the retina of a playmate at close range. I believe that would not cause "temporarily blindness."

These 300 milliwatt "toys" are weapons. Something needs to be done to stop their sale and use by children.

JOHN H. EDGAR

Louisville 40241

Hypocritical editorial

The Tuesday CJ editorial starts, "Sometimes we are so caught up in the busyness of living that we forget what a gift life is, and it falls to each of us to live each day as if it were our last." Yet the CJ is and always has been pro-abortion. So, are you saying life is only a gift to those that are allowed to be born?